Heart of Cascadia - The Colors of IPA
Heart of Cascadia began in 2013 as a style competition focused on "Cascadian Dark Ale" and "Northwest Red Ale" - two styles who have taken root in the Pacific Northwest. This year we are doing things a little differently! We are looking for homebrewers to expand their IPA horizons and add a little color! We are embracing the new 2015 style guidelines and opening up the competition to the entire "American IPA" and Specialty IPA" category. While the standard American IPA is being accepted and judged equally, our hope is to recieve dozens of entries from all the specialty IPAs outlined below.
Black IPA (Cascadian Dark Ale): The hop character of an IPA combined with the dark color of a porter. Roast character from the dark malts can be present but much more subdued than a stout or porter, the hops still take center stage. Local examples include Deschutes Hop in the Dark, Widmer Pitch Black IPA.
Red IPA (Northwest Red Ale): Malty flavors of an American Amber blended with the hop characters of an American IPA. Deep red color from darker malts along with slight toasty or dark fruit flavors. Strong hop presence distinguishes this beer from an Amber. Local examples include Hopworks Rise Up Red, Laurelwood Red Elephant.
Brown IPA: A hoppier version of an American Brown Ale. Retains the light body and drinkability of an IPA without getting too heavy or sweet. Some fruity and toasty malt character will be present and accent the hops. Examples include Dogfish Head Indian Brown Ale.
Belgian IPA: An IPA made with Belgian yeast to add fruity, spicy character. Belgian examples tend to be hoppier versions of a Tripel or Belgian Pale Ale. Examples include De Ranke XX Bitter, Stone Cali-Belgique, Piraat Triple Hop.
White IPA: An IPA brewed in the style of a hoppier Belgian Wit with the additions of wheat to the grain bill and sometimes spices and orange peel. Lighter in color and body than a traditional IPA and sometimes hazy from the wheat. Local examples include Deschutes Chainbreaker.
Rye IPA: Traditional IPA with the added dryness and spicy notes of 10-20% Rye Malt added to the base malt bill. Examples include Sierra Nevada Ruthless Rye IPA.
Additionally, entrants will be required to specify session, standard or double strength on each 21B entry. Note: Imperial/Double IPAs will be accepted in 21A even though they are technically part of American Strong Ale. However they will be judged against all the standard American IPAs.
Topic: Oregon Brew Crew's 4th Annual Heart of Cascadia Competition (Read 2181 times)
